Who doesn’t love a good pub lunch with the family?
Well, it turns out that there are plenty of pubs that go above and beyond what you might expect when it comes to keeping the little ones happy!
Play areas are a great way to keep the kids entertained within sight of your table.
What’s more, they allow you to unwind and enjoy some quality time with friends over a nice meal while the kids are happy playing!
We’ve put together a selection of some of the best family-friendly pubs with outdoor play areas that central London (and not-so-central London) has to offer. Let’s get cracking…
1. The Plough Inn
Area: Ealing, W5
Reviews: 4.3/5 stars from 1,036 reviews on Google
The Plough Inn is one of Ealing’s finest. It’s also home to a lovely children’s play area – made up of a delightful enclosure set within a white picket fence, with a colourful slide for good measure.
We heartily recommend letting the kids burn off their energy while you relax with a glass or two!
The pub combines chic interiors with fantastic food and drink. As charming country pubs go, this is one of the better ones.
The real fun, of course, is to be found outside. It’s here that you’ll find the play area, a heated covered area and an expansive beer garden.
The Plough Inn reviews: what parents say
First visit here for a long time and it won’t be my last. Went with family and friends on a Sunday afternoon, everything was excellent. A great team working here, all very keen, helpful and friendly.
We ordered quite a lot of food and have to say quality, portions and service were all 10/10. The roast beef for 2 was great as was the 12oz sirloin and burgers.
It all represented great value for money and we will be back for sure.
The garden area is great, lots of space but cozy too. Nice play area for the children too. Well done to all at The Plough. Please pass our thanks onto the whole team.
Robert T
How to book a table at The Plough Inn
You can book a table from The Plough Inn website: The Plough Inn
2. The Duke of Kent
Area: West Ealing, W13
Reviews: 4.3/5 stars from 1,690 reviews on Google
The Duke of Kent’s play area for kids has more than enough to keep the kids entertained: there’s a slide, connected via a wooden walkway to a climbing frame, and a set of monkey bars.
The surrounding garden also has much to recommend it. Take the time to relax in the leafy beer garden while your kids have a whale of a time on the swings and slides.
Leafy Pitshanger is home to many fine establishments, but very few are quite as good as the Duke of Kent, with its selection of delicious food and fine wines.
The Duke of Kent reviews: what parents say
Lovely place to visit all year around. Has a lovely garden. Children’s play area. Good food and choices.
S London
How to book a table at The Duke of Kent
You can book a table from The Duke of Kent website: The Duke of Kent
Find more family events for the weekend on Loopla: Search events
3. The Eagle
Area: Shepherd’s Bush, W12
Reviews: 4.2/5 stars from 959 reviews on Google
The Eagle claims to be home to the biggest beer garden in all of West London. There are certainly far worse places to celebrate in style and let the kids enjoy themselves!
The garden area is full of deckchairs. There are also plenty of multi-coloured beanbags for children to play with and enjoy some good harmless fun.
This British gastropub is characterised by its stylish interiors and use of expressive fabrics. The dining area is welcoming and friendly, with a good selection of roast dinners.
There are also plenty of quiz nights, musical entertainment and other assorted delights. There really is something for everyone here!
The Eagle reviews: what parents say
Deceptively large pub . The beer garden looks like a cool spot to hang out in the summer.
We went early evening to celebrate a 1st birthday. The staff were very accommodating and helpful.
Amrit Patheja Sethi
How to book a table at The Eagle
You can book a table from The Eagle website: The Eagle
4. The Hare & Hounds, Osterley
Area: Osterly, TW7
Reviews: 4.3/5 stars from 1,651 reviews on Google
The Hare & Hounds also works a treat if you have several children in tow, thanks to its extensive garden area. The outdoor playground here is fun and charming, with an adorable set of climbing frames and a bright red slide.
This beautiful pub is an ideal spot for a bite to eat and a chilled drink outside. Situated near Hounslow and surrounded by glorious leafy scenery, it’s perhaps best thought of as West London’s country pub.
The Hare & Hounds reviews: what parents say
Fantastic place for a sunny day in London! Kids loved it and felt free to wander around and play in the play area! Friendly staff and good food. Love it!
Filippo Previtali
How to book a table at The Hare & Hounds
You can book a table from The Hare & Hounds website: The Hare & Hounds
5. The Rosendale
Area: West Dulwich, SE21
Reviews: 4.3/5 stars from 1,324 reviews on Google
There’s much for the kids to enjoy at The Rosendale. The Rosendale’s gardens include an enclosed playground with a full-size climbing frame, ride-on toys and a big green slide.
The gardens also include boules and a table tennis set for the grown-ups.
The Rosendale once served as a Victorian coaching inn, and this rich history and heritage is reflected in the interiors of this distinguished pub.
The Rosendale reviews: what parents say
One of the best pub burgers I’ve had in recent memory.
Great beer garden for families. There’s a solid playground that’s fully enclosed so you can enjoy a pint and very good burger while the kids exhaust themselves.
Kyle Pollock
How to book a table at The Rosendale
You can book a table from The Rosendale website: The Rosendale
Find more family events for the weekend on Loopla: Search events
6. The White Horse
Area: Richmond, TW10
Reviews: 4.4/5 stars from 617 reviews on Google
The outdoor area at The White Horse has much to offer. Visitors are invited to relax in the beer garden, which leads directly into a public playground.
This is a great place for kids, with a slide, climbing frame and roundabout. They certainly won’t be disappointed, unless they expect to have riding lessons with real white horses(!)
If you’re looking for the authentic pub experience, The White Horse might be just what you’re looking for. The pub is situated in a charming part of Richmond full of beautiful Victorian architecture.
The White Horse offers exceptionally tasty food and a good range of beverages. They also host a series of well-attended open mic events every Sunday.
What parents say
Fabulous food, staff were excellent – Luka was outstanding. Kids loved their food and the playground outside was a winner. Thank you, we’ll be back.
Gareth Cooper
How to book a table at The White Horse
You can book a table from The White Horse website: The White Horse
7. The Sussex Arms
Area: Twickenham, TW2
Reviews: 4.5/5 stars from 1,381 reviews on Google
The Sussex Arms is another great place to take the kids, with a fantastic play area for kids in the middle of its outdoor garden. This play area is suitable for those under the age of 12.
It includes a climbing frame and monkey bars – a perfect way for the kids to let off steam. All told this is a fantastic venue to catch up with friends whilst letting the kids play to their heart’s content.
The Sussex Arms is located just a 15-minute walk away from Twickenham Stadium. This makes it an ideal spot to enjoy food and drink on the big match days.
The Sussex Arms reviews: what parents say
Phenomenal place! Beer selection and food food were fabulous. Friendly and knowledgeable staff! A playground for the kids! How cool is that? Definitely a go to for us in the future.
Eric Barber
How to book a table at the Sussex Arms
You can book a table from the Sussex Arms website: the Sussex Arms
8. Rose & Crown Heston
Area: Heston village, Hounslow, TW5
Reviews: 4.5/5 stars from 426 reviews on Google
What could be better than an idyllic historical pub in a village setting? An idyllic historical pub that does an excellent job of keeping the kids happy, of course!
The kids will have plenty to do here. The children’s play section includes a slide, monkey bars and a climbing wall, all of which vibe with the pub’s laid-back, fun-loving atmosphere.
The Rose & Crown is a delightful family-run pub in Heston Village, Hounslow. Part of what makes it so child-friendly is its warm, welcoming atmosphere. It also boasts a beautiful covered beer garden, replete with a cocktail bar.
Rose & Crown Heston reviews: what parents say
Had a lovely afternoon here, kids were so happy there was an amazing play area. Food really good would definitely recommend popping in.
Mike Eldridge
How to book a table at the Rose & Crown Heston
You can book a table from the Rose & Crown Heston website: Rose & Crown Heston
Find more family events for the weekend on Loopla: Search events
9. The Turk’s Head
Area: Twickenham, TW1
Reviews: 4.5/5 stars from 916 reviews on Google
The Turk’s Head is another family-friendly pub with an excellent child’s play area in the garden. The playground includes a climbing frame that consists of a climbing wall and slide. This play section is found within a white picket fence enclosure in the main garden area.
The Turk’s Head is in an ideal location. The pub is located conveniently between the Home of England Rugby and St Margaret’s train station. (St Margaret’s is part of the South Western Railway network.)
This local corner pub offers a good selection of food and drink, and it hosts live music every Friday night.
The Turk’s Head reviews: what parents say
Lovely atmosphere, friendly staff and the small playground in the garden is always a big hit with the kids!
Charlie Peddie
How to book a table at The Turk’s Head
You can book a table from The Turk’s Head website: The Turk’s Head
10. The Myllet Arms
Area: Perivale, Greenford, UB6
Reviews: 4.1/5 stars from 1,732 reviews on Google
The Myllet Arms is a little different, in that it offers a soft indoor play area. This makes it ideal during the sort of wet and windy weather to which we’ve become so accustomed in recent years!
There are lots of tables and chairs available adjacent to the play area, which means that you can keep an eye on the kids while you enjoy a nice drink.
The Myllet Arms is just the thing if you’re a fan of hearty Carvey lunches and good-quality ales. It’s also thought of as a happy, upbeat establishment.
Visitors to the Myllet Arms have observed that the staff are friendly and happy to help out. This makes for a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
The Myllet Arms: what parents say
Found this pub tonight as we were looking for a kids play area indoor due to the weather – I must say that every expectation was met ! Kids area was great , food was really nice both from
The a la carte and the carvery . But above all, the staff were absolutely special and so welcoming ! We will definitely come back !! Thank you so much !!
Alicia Antinori
How to book a table at The Myllet Arms
You can book a table from The Myllet Arms website: The Myllet Arms
Finding a pub with a kids play area
You may have to venture out of central London to find a pub with a children’s play area to keep the kids entertained.
That said, there’s a decent selection of pubs with play areas within easy reach of London.
They offer garden dining together with a kids’ area that may have a slide or climbing frame.
That way, you can keep an eye on the children while enjoying a leisurely Sunday lunch. If you’re looking for a full day out with the kids, check out our roundup of the best adventure playgrounds in London.
